No signs in sofia! (Tenerife Renia Sofia Airport (TFS))

Member Name: TigerTiger

Product:	Tenerife Renia Sofia Airport (TFS)
Date:	11/02/01 (155 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Newly refurbished, clean, good facilities

Disadvantages: NO signs, expensive

I have passed through Renia Sofia Airport in Tenerife on 2 occasions now, and although not my favourite airport (if having a favourite airport can be at all possible, as let's face it there are better places to be!), it is definitely not one of the worst airports that I have been to.

Renia Sofia is pretty much the main airport in Tenerife from England, the northern airport not taking flights from the uk any more after a fatal accident a number of years ago, so I was led to believe. The aiport is situated about 25 minutes away from Play de las Americas and 15 minutes from Los Christianos in the middle of a dusty desert like area. Most people booked on holidays will have transport provided, however just as an indication, it cost me about 20 pounds with one friend to get to Playa which we didn't feel was too bad.

The actual descent into the airport was pretty nice, at night with all the lights in Playa and los Christianos was pretty amazing. The first thing I did actually notice about the airport was how long the walk was from the plane to passport control and baggage collection, it must have taken me about 20 minutes! Warning, wear sensible shoes. As you were walking through we were greated with lots of other english holiday makers looking down on us from the departure lounge asking us how bad the weather was at home! It became apparent that the actual design of the airport was very bad and that the long walk could have been made a lot less with a bit of thought.

At the baggage collection I came to the conclusion that the long walk was there for a reason, to stop you realising how slow they were at unloading luggage! After picking a dodgy trolly which had me hitting all manner of things I managed to find my way to my friends who live there and were waiting for me. A short walk to the palm tree lined car park and we were away.

Obviously it is on the return journey that you notice more about the facilities as you have the
long check in time. The first thing I did notice about the airport was how huge it actually was and that it must see some real traffic moving thoughit. It had very high ceilings and it was all white and glass. However, the moment I walked into the door I did not have a clue as to where I was going as there were very few signposts and those that there were can only be described as confusing. There is a massive corridor along and walking down there I found the checkin desks. However, I walked the corridor 3 times searching for the departure gates and then had to resort to asking someone. That was very frustrating indeed and I was worrying that I would never leave and was destined to stay in Tenerife forever!

Having time to wait I first ventured into the duty free shop, which I have to admit was rather expensive, as they all are with their captive market. They had a good range of English magazines which makes a refreshing change and after buying the latest Cosmo and a bottle of gin I was off to explore the rest of the facilities.

Next stop was the bar, which was more of a cafe bar open plan place. With a fabulous selection of danish pastries to make anyones hips expand as well as a nice bar, I struggle to say well stocked as it took me three attempts to find something that they did have!

On one of the occassions that I was at this airport I was delayed for about 5 hours, so I know what it is like to have to spend time here. They had many reasonably comfy chairs to lay on anyway!

On the whole the airport is well ran to accomodate for the large numbers of people chosing to go there each year. However, if you want to find anywhere and are looking for a signpost, then think again!!

Summary: